Semicolon Worksheets

Related Core Standard: L.9-10.2a

Core Standard
Answer Keys Here

This form of punctuation mark is one of the most poorly used symbols in American English. The plain old period mark found on top of a standard comma is all this symbol is. Semicolons are used as winky faces in the emoticon world because they resemble a winking eye. Semicolons are used to join two independent clauses together in the place of a conjunction. These punctuation marks are vital when authors are trying to make a connection between ideas that are clearly independent. They can greatly help strengthen your message and help form more sophisticated sentences. These worksheets will help students determine the proper placement and use of semicolons.

Semicolon Worksheets To Print:

Combined Closeness - Smash two sentences together to make one killer sentence. Reread everything you write and decide if it made for a better thought.

Colon or Semicolon? - They are favorites at "Quotes" parties. Read each sentence. Does it use the correct punctuation?

Sentences with Semicolons - We are looking for original thought out sentences here. Write an original sentence for each conjunctive adverb that is given.

The Jobs at Work - The job description is a little bigger than expected. See if you can determine what job that symbol serves in each sentence.

How to Join Sentences - These might require a rewrite or just a well placed symbol. You will need to form one sentence from two.

Sentence Filler - Expand each sentence by adding a related independent clause. Use a semicolon to join them.

Where You At Semi-? - Add a semicolon, where needed, in each sentence. Some can simply be left alone.

Which is Correct? - Read each sentence. Do they use the correct punctuation? You be the judge.

Writing with Help - Write an original sentence for each conjunctive adverb given.

Using Semicolons - Add them where they are needed in each sentence. Read them carefully and take your time.

Composing Sentences - Read each pair of sentences. Then rewrite them as a single sentence, using a semicolon.

Incorporating Conjunctive Adverbs - A semicolon can be used to separate two independent clauses that are joined by a conjunctive adverb.

Join Independent Clauses - Combine each pair of sentences into a single sentence, using a semicolon.

How to Use Them With Lists - Read each sentence below. Is something missing? What can you do to make them pop more?

Are They Related? - Read each sentence. Are the two independent clauses related?

What are Semicolons?


A semicolon is denoted by as a (;) mark. It is an important punctuation mark as it is used to join two clauses or related sentences that are not joined with the help of any conjunction or preposition. Apart from this, there are many other functions that these punctuation marks perform. They are slightly different than a comma as it indicates a longer pause in the statements. While writing, it is very important to use semicolons at the appropriate place since an inappropriate use of them may confuse the reader. There are some rules regarding the use of these punctuation marks that must be followed. We explore how to use them properly and ensure that you understand some important functions a they can perform:


Can Take the Place of Periods


A semicolon can replace the period between two related clauses or sentences. For example, “Visit me tomorrow. I will show you my car.” include a full stop. By replacing this period with a semicolon, the sentence will be rewritten as “Visit me tomorrow; I will show you my car.” Remember not to capitalize any words other than proper noun after the semicolon.


Can Join Two Related Clauses


Semicolons are also used to join two or more related clauses when conjunction or a preposition like and, the, but, or, nor are not used in a sentence. An example of a sentence that uses a semicolon to join with the next sentence is: “I will help you; this is my promise."


Can Be Used Before Certain Terms


A semicolon is used before certain terms like however, instance, name, etc. For example, we can write “You can visit me any time; however, I will be busy at two PM"


Can Be Used to separate Units


Semicolons are used to separate related units when series are listed. For example, to state the name of different people along with their occupation in a list we will use semicolons as " James, Doctor; Kate, teacher; Jones, Engineer; Lucy, cook; Pope, labor; David, soldier, etc."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



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